As the Annual General Meeting approaches I’ve been reflecting on my seven years of service on the Board (and former Executive Committee) and in the role of President. I’ve been reviewing all that has been achieved over that period to bring the Société to a robust and higher functioning state, with confidence and strong ambitions for the future.
Though the Société had been granted charitable status in early 2019, there was no sense when I joined the Executive Committee of the depth of change that would be needed to ensure that the all-embracing requirements of the Jersey Charity Commission could be fulfilled. My election as Vice President in 2020 and later as President enabled serious work to begin on the modernisation of every aspect of the functioning of the Société so as to re-establish its place in the Island community.
There were concerns from some members about our change agenda, but many were supportive, as were our major partners and the Charity Commissioner. A gradual change in the composition of board members, which has significantly expanded the level of expertise being brought to bear on Société matters, has enabled us to deal decisively with some very difficult issues. I should say that an underlying theme in all the activities in which I’ve been involved is the importance of people, and team work.
Since 2020 we have brought about a great deal of constructive change. Lists of achievements and future objectives are detailed in our published plans so I see no need to repeat them here. However, I believe that some of the most significant strides we have taken are to:
- pay more attention to our members, offering a welcoming and friendlier service and making Pier Road and our bookshop a pleasure to visit – there is more work to do on this
- appoint a CEO, charged with putting into effect the vision and objectives defined by the Board.
- establish very effective control over our financial affairs, both in relation to our investment strategies and our day-to-day financial management
- tackle head-on the Société’s over-reliance on bequests
- gather together an excellent and enthusiastic body of staff
- strengthen connections with our Sections, and help them remain effective
Much work remains to be done, but I feel satisfied that a positive future direction for the Société is now established and all the elements are in place to enable this to continue and for our organisation to prosper.
While I am withdrawing from membership of the Board, I will retain certain responsibilities, including the Chairmanship of the Library Committee, and an advisory role in relation to our collections. I intend to pick up my research interests which were set aside in 2019, and have another attempt at retirement.
I’m proud to have been so closely associated with the revitalisation of the Société, and wish the new President and Board every success in the future.
Stuart Fell Dip Arch RIBA IHBC
President
Président
